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A warm welcome to all UniSA students, whether new or returning. For those who are unaware, Verse is a student-run publication, which provides the opportunity for talented writers and artists to showcase their work. Every article is created by students, for students, and we encourage your submissions.

We hope that our first edition of Verse for 2019 will help those new to our campuses navigate their way through what often feels unfamiliar territory. Don’t worry—we have all been there and many of us are still finding our way.

As well, this edition features a diverse range of written and visual content, including short stories, music reviews and poems. The interview with UniSA Vice-Chancellor, David Lloyd, reveals an interesting insight into his life prior to his move to Australia. Our team also spoke with Match Studio about industry opportunities for students, while our graphic designer caught up with one of Adelaide’s most promising art therapists.

On behalf of all the team, we would like to thank everyone that submitted work to this edition. We hope you have a great start to the year and look forward to seeing you on campus.

To all our readers, welcome to Edition 27 of Verse Magazine and congratulations on continuing your studies beyond the census date.With uni back in full swing, we’ve been out and about at all four Campus Fairs, handing out free t-shirts and connecting with students young and old to encourage them to read and maybe even submit some of their own work to us too.

The theme for this edition is Zen | Health | Lifestyle and as a result, we’ve had a wide range of submissions. You will find the more ‘Zen’ themed works towards the front, followed by the ‘Health and Lifestyle’ submissions. Our Graphic-Designer-turned-journalist, Oliver, spoke with West Thebarton guitarist Brian Bolado, while the rest of our editorial team have put together some great features including a UniSA version of Humans of New York, a review of the Helpmann Academy, and an interview with one of Adelaide’s leading dieticians, who has busted some of the most common food myths out there.

This is my last edition as Head Editor, after which Annabel will be in charge for Edition 28. It’s been a pleasure, and I wish everyone the best in 2019.

At the pointy end of the semester, you’re probably looking for any kind of distraction from those impending final assessments. Well, you’ve got one in your hands – and we think it’s a much healthier choice than that Netflix season you’ve already watched three times.

This edition contains a sobering dose of sincerity, with stories on student homelessness, emigration, and destructive love. You may also find yourself traversing unfamiliar places; a museum after dark, Europe through the wobbly footsteps of pensioners, or a glassblowing studio. Along with features on kick-ass creatives and a recipe for the most delicious chicken soup you’ll ever try, there’s a lot of juice to squeeze out of these pages.

Thank you to every writer, artist, and reader of this edition. I’ve pored over every piece submitted and I can’t wait to do it again at the end of the year – after the wonderful Tanner Muller takes on the next two editions.

Let’s face it, things are a bit grim at the moment. When we consider all of the unjust political systems, mass shootings, and natural disasters, you can’t escape it. Everywhere you turn, there always seems to be something around the corner to wipe the smile from your face.

Although it might be difficult during these times to see the light at the end of the tunnel, you shouldn’t let anything deter you from finding it. We, as a society, have the authority to shape the changes we desire—so if you’re an artist, use your creative skills to take a stance and spread the word. If you’re not, then contribute to the conversation in your own unique way. If we all come together to proudly raise our voices, people will have a difficult time ignoring us.

While this edition of Verse reflects all that is twisted in our sick sad world, it also aims to bring a sense of hope. Immerse yourself in what the Grim Edition has to offer. As you continue to read through these pages, you’ll be taken on a trip to the moon, discover the truth behind your generous donations, and uncover some abandoned locations. Along the way, you’ll also encounter more sensitive material relating to domestic violence, surgical procedures, and identity.

A huge thanks to all the writers and artists who submitted to this edition. I’ve poured every bit of my heart into this and I can’t wait to see what the (now) infamous Sex Edition has in store for us all. Until next time, onwards and upwards.

Let me guess. You’re probably flicking through the pages of this magazine because you thought it had a bit of nudity inside. Come on… admit it. We’re only human, after all. There’s nothing wrong with taking a moment to indulge in your fantasies. Some of the content might even persuade you to seek a bit of consensual intimacy. You’ll probably try to organise something on Tinder and reach out to one of your matches with a tacky pickup line, or a cheesy compliment about how cute their smile is. We’ve all been there (but that doesn’t excuse the fact that I’m still judging you).

In the pursuit of sexual pleasure, it’s crucial to remember one thing: play it safe, dammit! Your health shouldn’t be compromised for anything. You only have one body in this lifetime and you owe it to yourself to treat it with respect. While this Sex Edition celebrates the many forms of intercourse, it also highlights the importance of your wellbeing. Inside these steamy pages you’ll uncover someone’s (unpleasant) experience with online dating, the myths surrounding emergency contraception, and why you’ve been watching porn wrong this whole time. So take a peek and see what you discover. You have our full permission. We’re not holding back. Are you?

Recently, a woman I had just met told me something that’s stuck with me ever since:

‘There shouldn’t be anything that you can’t have a conversation about. You can be respectful, you can be mindful, you can be tactful, and you should be allowed to talk about anything. You should also be given an answer that’s truthful. It may not have all the knowledge, but you should be given an answer.’

With that idea in mind, we called out for submissions on any topic that you think needs to be talked about more, or in a different way. More than anything, our contributors spoke about abuse, assault, and objectification of women. Some of these pieces aren’t easy to read. They can be ugly and uncomfortable conversations, but they’re so important to have. I’ll let this edition tell you why.

Then these pages will take you from Hong Kong to Delhi; two places where humanity seems to be at the core of both chaos and community. Between the words you’ll also find some of this year’s best artist features; from glassmakers to illustrators, and embroiderers to photographers.

It’s been an immense joy to put together Verse this year. On behalf of Tanner, Oliver, Geena, Ryan and myself, I would also like to say thank you; to our storytellers, artists, and to you, our readers. Verse Magazine has always been for, and about, you. We hope you’ve soaked up just as much from these pages as we have.